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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Simon call up that the staff saved Esk from?

2. Since her first Borrowing experience, what kind of dream has Esk gotten used to?

3. In her dream, what does Esk see that seems to be hosting a party but she cannot enter through its gates?

4. When Esk finds a book similar to Simon's, what does she notice that is different about the book?

5. Where does Esk lead Granny to see Cutangle at dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the dwarves offer to do for Granny, and what does she want instead?

2. What does Granny transform herself into to deflect Cutangle's attacks?

3. What happens to Esk when she becomes the mind of the stones of the University?

4. What does Esk ask the man who is counting tobacco and what does he tell her?

5. What happens to Granny when she travels to find Esk?

6. Who are the inhabitants of the Shades?

7. Why does Esk get angry with Simon and Master Treatle?

8. Who is in charge of the laundry operations and where does this person live?

9. When the senior wizards arrive in the library, what do they think has happened to Simon, and what do they do about him?

10. Who is traveling with Master Treatle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gender is an issue that is frequently debated, discussed, and described in this book. How is gender portrayed through the characters of Esk, Granny, Cutangle, Mr. Treatle, Simon, and Mrs. Whitlow? What stereotypes or cultural or societal views are reinforced, questioned, or rejected? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The point of view of "Equal Rites" is the third-person and omniscient narrator. However, at times the point of view appears quite opinionated and has bits of first-person dialogue. Identify 3-5 examples in the text where the author changes the point of view. How does this make for an enjoyable and lively reading? What information does the author pack into descriptions, that offers perspective on the protagonist's journey and the environment as a whole? Describe.

Essay Topic 3

How does Terry Pratchett describe the Things? What do you find attractive or repulsive about the Things? What does Esk learn when she interacts with the Things? What makes them attracted to her? What repels them? Can she control them or not? Describe.

(see the answer keys)

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